Superman Symbolism: What 10 Most Famous Villains Really Mean

4. General Zod - What He Could Become

A former member of the Kryptonian military, General Zod was exiled to the Phantom Zone by Superman's father, Jor-El, after he had attempted to conquer Krypton. Years later, after he had escaped, he targeted the supposed last Kryptonian - Superman himself - and his adopted planet Earth. Zod possesses all the same powers as Superman, due to having the same Kryptonian physiology, only his are perhaps even greater in scale thanks to his advanced maturity and his ability to utilise them more efficiently with his military training. As a fellow Kryptonian who happens to be older and more resentful, Zod represents what Superman could become if he let himself grow twisted - which could, in theory, happen if he lets his troubled past and personal issues take over him. It is a frightening thought for Earth and its people that Superman could potentially either join Zod or, in the future, essentially become him.